Title
Quantifying non-metric measurements of seafood products at the Suva market
Author(s)
Vitukawalu, Vutaieli B.; Mangubhai, Sangeeta; Ciriyawa, Ana; Naisilisili, Waisea; Kuridrani, Nanise; Seru, Semisi
Published
2021
Publisher
SPC Fisheries Newsletter
Abstract
The study shows a quick, relatively cost-effective method to calculate conversion factors to enable the Ministry of Fisheries to convert non-metric units of sale of invertebrates and algae into weights. This negates the need to measure individual non-metric units each time, thus saving time and resources. This method can also be used to collect weight data on other bivalve species, or potentially crustacean species, if for example they are being sold in strings. The method and approach used in this study have been successfully tested and may be valuable for market survey monitoring programmes being implemented in other Pacific Island countries. The conversion factor is an essential component in market surveys and can also be used to convert non-metric data collected during fisheries value chain analyses (e.g. Mangubhai et al. 2017) or broader socioeconomic surveys (e.g. Thomas et al. 2020). The approach used can be applied to other places and proves to provide reliable data. Managers can determine for their geography and management needs how much data and sample sizes they wish collect to build a more robust dataset. This survey should be repeated every two to three years, in case conversion factors need to be adjusted.

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PUB27118